India Women squad for Asian Games announced [Source: AFP]In a significant development, the BCCI announced the India Women's squad for the Asian Games 2026 on Tuesday, June 30. Harmanpreet Kaur has been retained as the captain despite the Indian team's group-stage elimination from the Women's T20 World Cup 2026. India Women gear up for Asian Games after T20 World Cup debacleRecently, the Indian Women's team had a forgettable campaign in the Women's T20 World Cup. After registering clinical triumphs against Pakistan and the Netherlands, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led team went down to South Africa in a crucial encounter. Although they defeated Bangladesh by five wickets, the Indians crumbled in a do-or-die clash against Australia, making a group-stage exit from the tournament. So, the Asian Games 2026 gives India Women a golden opportunity to redeem themselves and silence their critics following an underwhelming T20 World Cup in England. Harmanpreet Kaur named captain; BCCI makes 1 change from World Cup squadThe Indian batting unit will be spearheaded by the experienced quartet of Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues and captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Deepti Sharma retains her spot in the India squad for Asian Games 2026 as the frontline allrounder, with Richa Ghosh and G. Kamalini making it into the team as wicketkeepers. Also Read: Harmanpreet Kaur’s Future As India Captain Unconfirmed By Head CoachKamalini enters the squad as Yastika Bhatia's replacement, with the BCCI making a major change in the combination for the Asian Games. Why did BCCI drop Yastika Bhatia from India's Asian Games squad?Yastika Bhatia was given a consistent run at number three in India's playing XI during the Women's T20 World Cup. However, the southpaw couldn't live up to the expectations, managing only 41 runs across three innings at a miserable average of 13.67. Therefore, Yastika's recent form is believed to be played a significant role in her ouster from the India squad for Asian Games 2026, which the BCCI unveiled through an official press release on June 30. Shreyanka Patil named in India's Asian Games 2026 squad despite injuryShreyanka Patil was ruled out of the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 due to an ankle injury. She picked up the injury during India Women's second group-stage encounter against the Netherlands at Headingley. The right-arm spinner twisted her ankle while trying to prevent a quick single off her own bowling. The BCCI has included Shreyanka Patil in the India squad for Asian Games 2026; however, her participation in the competition is subject to fitness clearance. Renuka Thakur, Sree Charani to lead India's bowling attack in Asian GamesAce speedster Renuka Thakur will lead the Indian bowling attack alongside Sree Charani, who finished as India's most successful bowler in the Women's T20 World Cup with 14 scalps. Kranti Goud and Arundhati Reddy have been named in the India squad for Asian Games 2026 as the other frontline pacers. India women's squad for Asian Games 2026Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (WK), G. Kamalini (WK), Bharti Fulmali, Sree Charani, Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil (subject to fitness clearance), Radha Yadav, Nandni Sharma.Also Read: Former Punjab Kings Member Joins Hyderabad Team
